Cleveland Guardians standout CC Sabathia is set to be honored with an induction into the team’s Hall of Fame this Saturday. During a heartfelt discussion with Zack Meisel of The Athletic, Sabathia expressed his gratitude to fans, coupled with an apology for his 2007 postseason performance. “Thank you… I have to say sorry, too,” he remarked, reflecting on his belief that better pitching in 2007 could have secured a World Series title for Cleveland and ended their championship drought.

The 2007 season saw Cleveland advance to the ALCS, only to forfeit a 3-1 series lead against the Boston Red Sox. Sabathia, despite winning the AL Cy Young Award that year, struggled significantly during the series with a 10.45 ERA, losing both of his starts including a critical Game 5 where he surrendered four runs over six innings.

Nonetheless, Sabathia’s disappointing performance in the 2007 playoffs doesn’t overshadow his remarkable contributions to the team. Chosen in the first round of the 1998 MLB Draft, he debuted with Cleveland in 2001 and played a vital part of the team until being traded mid-season in 2008 to the Milwaukee Brewers. His time with Cleveland was marked by three All-Star selections and a record of 106-71 with a 3.83 ERA.

During the standout 2007 season alone, he posted a 19-7 record with a 3.21 ERA, striking out 209 batters over 241 innings. Following his stint with the Brewers, Sabathia signed with the New York Yankees in December 2008 where he continued to excel, making three more All-Star appearances and, most notably, securing a World Series victory in 2009.